'Makes no difference...': Sunderland fans react after Stewart Donald's sudden resignation as chairman

But many are refusing to get carried away by the development – and don’t believe it means a takeover is imminent.

Donald’s decision comes on the back of a heated meeting with supporters on Thursday afternoon, during which it was confirmed a deal to sell the club is not on the immediate horizon.

And despite this latest development, fans are refusing to celebrate too much – and believe more action needs to follow.

Here’s what supporters were saying on social media:

@sgtpeachfuzz said: “I don't see any reason for celebration. Donald was a nice guy that bit off way more than he could chew. He came here with good intentions. Also, this doesn't improve the situation of our club in the short term. It just adds to the mountain of work that needs to be done.”

@Phillip_RJ89 added: “I’d like to think Donald resigning as chairman represents a step towards an ownership change. I truly hope it does, but if Rodwell takes over, there’s no reason to believe things will be any more positive. The entire regime must go.”

@MattyCrichton posted: “Absolutely meaningless until he sells the club, as majority shareholder he still calls the shots until a new deal is complete. KEEP THE PRESSURE ON!”

@_JordanSimpson commented: “Makes no difference unless the club is sold - he's just removing himself from the firing line. And I wish he'd stop going on about having the highest budget in the league, that's pointless unless it's invested wisely... which it hasn't.”

@bobbyspout tweeted: “See how this affects the day to day running of the club. Huge change in tone in the official club statement compared to the RAWA minutes of the informal meeting. Praising the fans instead of blaming them. He still owns the club at the end of the day”

@janey1000 added: “Not sure his resignation means much one way or another to #SAFC”

@safc_lex said: “Resigned as chairman but still holds a huge majority share in the club, a pessimist might say this was a PR stunt”

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